Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

स मृतो ऽथर्वणः पुत्रो मथितः पुष्करोदधिः यो ऽथर्वा लौकिको ह्य् अग्निर् दक्षिणाग्निः स उच्यते //

Transliteration

sa mṛto 'tharvaṇaḥ putro mathitaḥ puṣkarodadhiḥ yo 'tharvā laukiko hy agnir dakṣiṇāgniḥ sa ucyate //

Translation

That son of Atharvan—called Puṣkarodadhi—who was produced by churning and then died: the Atharvanic fire used in worldly rites is said to be the Dakṣiṇāgni, the southern sacred fire.

Word by Word

• saḥ: he/that

• mṛtaḥ: dead, having died

• atharvaṇaḥ: of Atharvan

• putraḥ: son

• mathitaḥ: churned out, produced by friction (arani-churning)

• puṣkarodadhiḥ: Puṣkarodadhi (a proper name/epithet)

• yaḥ: who

• atharvā: Atharvanic (connected with Atharvan/atharva-rites)

• laukikaḥ: worldly, used in common/household practice

• hi: indeed

• agniḥ: fire

• dakṣiṇāgniḥ: the southern fire (one of the three sacred fires)

• sa ucyate: he/it is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Atharvan
• Puṣkarodadhi
• Agni
• Dakṣiṇāgni

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Agni
• Vedic rites
• Householder practice

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It does not discuss Pralaya; it defines the Dakṣiṇāgni by linking it to an Atharvanic, ‘worldly’ fire tradition and a named figure (Puṣkarodadhi) produced by churning.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

By identifying Dakṣiṇāgni as the laukika (practical/household) Atharvanic fire, it supports correct performance of domestic and public rites—an essential duty for householders and for kings who sponsor sacrifices.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it clarifies the identity of Dakṣiṇāgni among the sacred fires and associates it with fire produced by friction (arani-churning), guiding correct setup and usage in yajña procedures.